Seal in a coffeemaker

ABSTRACT

A brewing apparatus including a housing having a movable lid; a water heater connected to the housing; a pod carrier removably connected to the housing; a seal connected to the lid for movement towards and away from a top side of the pod carrier as the lid is moved between an open position and a closed position; and a hot water discharge head connected to the lid for delivering hot water from the water heater in a direction towards the top side of the pod carrier when the lid is in its closed position. When the lid is in its closed position, the movable lid closes over the top side of the pod carrier and, the seal is adapted to be located against a perimeter side of the pod carrier for sealing along the perimeter side.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a brewing apparatus, such as acoffeemaker, and, more particularly, to a seal used in a brewingapparatus.

2. Brief Description of Prior Developments

U.S. Pat. No. 4,612,850 discloses a seal which is located inside acylinder. U.S. Pat. No. 5,146,839 discloses a seal with a lower web thatcauses a seal on the top surface under pressure and legs are restrained.U.S. Pat. No. 5,531,152 discloses a cam movement structure which can camthe member upward and downward when the handle is moved.

There is a desire to provide a coffeemaker which can receive disposablecoffee pods. Use of a coffee pod, rather than loose coffee grounds, canprovide a repeatable good brewed coffee quality. However, to ensure goodbrewed coffee quality, the temperature of hot water and the quantity ofhot water delivered to the coffee pod must be repeatedly, accuratelydelivered. One factor which can influence the quantity and quality ofhot water being delivered is the seal provided in a chamber which housesthe coffee pod. With repeated use of inserting and removing coffee pods,the seal can become worn. A worn seal can allow heated water, in theform of steam or hot water vapor to escape the coffee pod chamberwithout becoming brewed coffee, and thereby reduce the quality of thecoffee being brewed. There is a need to provide a seal for a coffee podreceiving chamber with significantly less wear then prior art deviceseven with repeated opening and closing of the coffee pod receivingchamber over and, therefore, extend the working life of the coffeemaker.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a brewingapparatus is provided including a housing having a movable lid; a waterheater connected to the housing; a pod carrier removably connected tothe housing; a seal connected to the lid for movement towards and awayfrom a top side of the pod carrier as the lid is moved between an openposition and a closed position; and a hot water discharge head connectedto the lid for delivering hot water from the water heater in a directiontowards the top side of the pod carrier when the lid is in its closedposition. When the lid is in its closed position, the movable lid closesover the top side of the pod carrier and, the seal is adapted to belocated against a perimeter side of the pod carrier for sealing alongthe perimeter side.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, acoffeemaker is provided comprising a housing; a water heater connectedto the housing; a hot water discharge head connected to the waterheater; a seal connected to the hot water discharge head; and a podcarrier connected to the housing having a top aperture with asurrounding perimeter wall forming an inwardly facing sealing surfaceand an inwardly extending shelf located at a bottom of the sealingsurface. The hot water discharge head is movable with a portion of thehousing about a pivot axis. The seal is movable into the top aperture.The seal is adapted to be compressed between the discharge head and theshelf.

In accordance with one method of the present invention, a method isprovided for forming a seal in a coffeemaker. The method comprises thesteps of removably positioning a coffee pod carrier on a housing of thecoffeemaker; pivotably moving a lid of the housing to a closed position,the lid covering a top side of the coffee pod carrier; moving a seal onthe lid into a top aperture of the coffee pod carrier; and compressingthe seal inside the coffee pod carrier to form the seal between thecoffee pod carrier and a hot water discharge head connected to the lid.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing aspects and other features of the present invention areexplained in the following description, taken in connection with theaccompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a coffeemaker incorporating features ofthe present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the coffeemaker shown in FIG.1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the hot water heater used inthe coffeemaker shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of the top of the coffeemaker shownin FIG. 1 with the lid moved to an open position;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the combined locking and cam ring membershown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view as in FIG. 4 with the coffee podcarrier shown in an exploded position;

FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of the funnel shown in FIGS. 2 and 6;

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the pod carrier and funnel shown in FIGS. 4and 6;

FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view of the pod carrier and funnel shown inFIG. 8 taken along line 9-9;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a coffee pod for use with thecoffeemaker shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view similar to FIG. 9 with the coffee podcarrier located in a reversed, flipped different position;

FIG. 12 is a cross sectional view of alternate embodiments of a coffeepod, coffee pod carrier, and funnel incorporating features of thepresent invention;

FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of an attachment between thecoffee pod carrier and funnel shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the coffeemaker shown in FIG. 1 with anoptional elevation attachment for use with a smaller cup;

FIG. 15 is a partial, exploded perspective view of the optionalelevation attachment shown in FIG. 14 and the support section of thehousing of the coffeemaker

FIG. 16 is a partial cross-sectional view of the pod carrier and theseal before the seal is compressed;

FIG. 17 is a partial cross-sectional view of the pod carrier and theseal after the seal is compressed;

FIG. 18 is a bottom plan view of a bottom plate of one embodiment of thehot water discharge head; and

FIG. 19 is a cross sectional view of the plate shown in FIG. 18 takenalong line 19-19.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a perspective view of a brewingapparatus 10 incorporating features of the present invention. Althoughthe present invention will be described with reference to the exemplaryembodiment shown in the drawings, it should be understood that thepresent invention can be embodied in many alternate forms ofembodiments. In addition, any suitable size, shape or type of elementsor materials could be used. A similar brewing apparatus is described inU.S. patent application No. 60/327,538 filed Oct. 5, 2001; U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/260,045 filed Sep. 30, 2002; and PCT applicationNo. PCT/US02/30565 which are hereby incorporated by reference in theirentireties.

In the embodiment shown, the brewing apparatus 10 comprises acoffeemaker. However, in alternate embodiments of the present invention,the brewing apparatus could comprise any suitable type of brewingapparatus such as, for example, a cappuccino maker or a tea maker. Thecoffeemaker 10 generally comprises a housing 12, a hot water heater 14,a controller 16, a pump 18, a pod receiving section 20, and a waterreservoir 22. The coffeemaker is a single serve coffeemaker. Morespecifically, the coffeemaker is adapted to make a single serving ofcoffee at a time, such as a single cup or mug.

The coffeemaker 10 is adapted to be plugged into an electrical outlet bya removable plug 24. The water reservoir 22 is removable from thehousing 12. In an alternate embodiment, the coffeemaker might notinclude a removable water reservoir, such as when the coffeemaker isconnected directly to a water supply line or if the water reservoir isnon-removable. Referring also to FIG. 2, the water reservoir 22 includesa seal 26 for removably coupling the water reservoir with an inlet 28 tothe pump 18. The pump 18 includes an outlet 30 which is connected bytubing 31 to an inlet 32 of the hot water heater 14.

The pump 18 preferably comprises a direct drive solenoid pump which canvary the flow rate of water therethrough by adjustably controlling thespeed of the pump. In alternate embodiments, any suitable type of pumpcould be used. The pump 18 is connected to the controller 16. Thecontroller 16 comprises a printed circuit board 34 with a processor 36and control switches 38. The controller 16 is adapted to control thespeed of the pump 18 based upon sensor input, input from the controlswitches 38, and pre-programming. The controller 16 is also adapted tocontrol activation of the hot water heater 14. More specifically, thecontroller 16 is connected to a relay 44 for controlling the supply ofelectricity to the hot water heater 14.

The housing 12 forms a general frame for the coffeemaker. As seen inFIG. 1, the housing 12 includes a base section 42, a column section 44,and a top section 46. The column section 44 is supported on a rearportion of the base section 42. The pump 18 is mounted on top of thebase section 42 with the column section 44 surrounding the pump 18. Thebase section 42 forms a forward extending section 48. The controller 16is located inside the base section 42 with the control switches 38extending out of apertures at the front end of the forward extendingsection 48. The top side of the forward extending section 48 forms asupport surface 50. The support surface 50 is adapted to support a cupor container 52, such as a cup or mug, or any other type of liquidsingle user container, thereon. The support surface 50 can be flat or ina recess 51, or recessed as shown in FIG. 2. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 2, the sidewalls which form the recess at the support surface 50comprise overflow slots 54. The overflow slots 54 allow the fluid toflow out of the recess, in the event fluid overflows into the recess,and prevents the overflowing fluid from overflowing onto the usercontrol section 56 having the control switches 38. The slots 54 can alsobe used to support attachment of a removable elevated cup supportplatform 244 (see FIG. 14) as further described below.

In the embodiment shown, the coffeemaker also comprises a system 58 fordetecting when an overflow condition has occurred. The system 58includes a tube 60 which is connected to the pump 18 or a sensor. Afront end of the tube 60 extends into the recess 51 at the supportsurface 50. In the event the recess fills with fluid, the tube 60 cantransport some of the fluid in the tube to the pump or a sensor tosignal the overflow condition. The pump 18 and/or the controller 16 canthen automatically deactivate the pumping action of the pump 18 toprevent further overflow. However, in alternate embodiments, anysuitable type of overflow sensing system could be provided. In anotheralternate embodiment, an overflow sensing system might not be provided.

The column section 44 of the housing supports the hot water heater 14 ina front section 62. The column section 44 also has a receiving area 64for removably receiving the water reservoir 22. Referring now also toFIG. 3, an exploded perspective view of the heater 14 is shown. Theheater 14 generally comprises a water heating subassembly 118, heatshield members 120, 122, thermal cutoffs (TCO) 124, a TCO clip 126, athermistor 128, a thermistor clip 130, top and bottom water tubefittings 132, 134, and top and bottom end caps 136, 138. However, inalternate embodiments, the heater could comprise additional oralternative components.

The thermistor is used to measure the temperature of the hot watergenerator for determining an end of a pre-heat cycle and, to help insurethat the hot water generator is at a temperature for generating the hotwater in a temperature range to provide proper brewing and a preferredcoffee temperature. If too hot, the power to the heating elements can beturned OFF. If too cool, the pump can be stopped or its speed lowered.The thermistor also provides over-temperature sensing, such as whenwater flow to the heater stops (such as when the water reservoir becomesempty). The coffeemaker also comprises a temperature sensor 70 (see FIG.2) connected to the tubing 31. The temperature sensor 70 can sense thetemperature of the water entering the inlet 32 of the heater 14. In analternate embodiment, the temperature sensor 70 could be locatedconnected to the tube 68 for measuring the temperature of the waterexiting the heater 14.

The water heating subassembly 118 generally comprises a water conduittube 140, two heating elements 142, and blocks 144 of heat conductivematerial which connect the heating elements 142 to the water conduittube 140. In a preferred embodiment, the two heating elements 142 areCalrods. However, in alternate embodiments, any suitable type of heatingelement could be used. In addition, more or less than two heatingelements could be used. In a preferred embodiment, the tube 140 and theblocks 144 are formed as a single extruded aluminum member. The heatingelements 142 are connected to the one-piece member after it is formed.In a preferred embodiment, the inside of the tube 140 comprises one ormore heat transfer fins 141. However, in an alternate embodiment, thefins 141 might not be provided. Alternatively, any suitable type ofinternal heat transfer members could be provided inside the tube 140.Formation of the tube 140 as an extruded member makes formation of heattransfer members inside the tube relatively easy. In an alternateembodiment, the blocks 144 of heat conductive material are comprised ofcast aluminum and are subsequently connected to the tube. However, inalternate embodiments, the blocks 144 could be comprised of any suitabletype of material. In addition, more or less than two blocks could beused.

Blocks 144 function as mechanical attachments for the heating elements142 to the water conduit tube 140. In addition, the blocks 144 alsofunction as heat transfer elements to transfer heat from the heatingelements 142 to the water conduit tube 140. The heating elements 142 areconnected to the relay 40 which is controlled by the controller 16. Inan alternate embodiment, any suitable type of water heating subassemblycould be provided.

The TCO 124 and the thermistor 128 are mechanically attached to thesubassembly 118 by the two clips 126, 130. However, in alternateembodiments, any suitable means could be used to attach the TCO 124 andthe thermistor 128 to the subassembly 118. For example, the TCO 124and/or the thermistor 128 could be integrally formed with thesubassembly 118. The TCO 124 and the thermistor 128 are operablyelectrically connected to the controller 24. In an alternate embodiment,any suitable type of a temperature sensor or thermal fuse could beprovided.

The shield members 120, 122 and end caps 136, 138 substantially surroundthe water heating subassembly 118. The two fittings 132, 134 areconnected to opposite ends of the water conduit tube 140. The bottomtube fitting 132 is connected to the tubing 31. The top tube fitting 134is connected to a hot water discharge head 66 by a tube 68 (see FIG. 2).As seen best in FIG. 2, the heater 14 is orientated in a substantiallyvertical orientation with its water inlet 32 at its bottom end and itsheated water outlet at its top end. However, in an alternate embodiment,the heater could be orientated in any suitable orientation. The heaterin this embodiment has a substantially straight shape. However, in analternate embodiment, the heater could have any suitable type of shape,such as L shaped for example. For the vertical heater shown, the waterbeing pushed upward into the inlet 32 contacts the entire inner diametersurface of the water conduit tube 140. In addition, the water isretained in the water conduit tube 140 by gravity until the water ispushed out of the top outlet at fitting 134 by new incoming water. Thisensures maximum heat transfer to the water in the water conduit tube 140before the water flows out of the top outlet fitting 134.

In a preferred embodiment, the heater is a 1400 Watt heater at 120Volts. However, in alternate embodiments, any suitable heater could beprovided. A 1400 Watt heater allows the heater to be able to increase intemperature from room temperature to heat water to 180° F. within oneminute. In alternate embodiments, temperature sensors could be providedin the water reservoir and/or at the outlet from the heater for moreprecise hot water generation. Of course, not every electrical outlet hasexactly 120 Volts. In addition, power from the power company canfluctuate, such as during a brownout. Manufacturing tolerances for theheater are preferably +5% to −10% Wattage variation. Thus, for a sametype of heater from the same manufacturer, at 128 Volts the heater wouldhave an output of 1950 Watts, and at 107 Volts the heater would have anoutput of 1100 Watts. The present invention recognizes this and uses thecontroller to compensate by controlling operation of the pump andheater. The thermistor 128 and temperature sensor 70 monitor the hotwater generator and the incoming water temperature, and sends signals tothe controller 16 such that the controller can take action to adjust orcorrect the temperature of the water while the water is still inside thehot water generator. This control delivers a relatively accurate desiredtemperature of the hot water. This results in the best predeterminequality of brewed coffee even though the supply of electricity or theinitial water temperature may not always be the same.

In a preferred embodiment, the controller can control the heater 14 andthe pump 18, based at least partially upon the temperature of the heatersensed by the thermistor 128 and the temperature of the incoming watersensed by the temperature sensor 70. For example, during the winter orin a cold weather climate the speed of the pump 18 might need to beslower than the during the summer or in a warm weather climate. Thecontroller 16 can be programmed to, at least initially, control thespeed of the pump 18 based upon the incoming water temperature as sensedby the temperature sensor 70. The use of two sensors 70, 128 can also doaway with the pre-heating cycle, or at least reduce the pre-heatingcycle. Preferably, the controller 16 is programmed to control the speedof the pump 18 based upon the temperatures sensed by the two sensors128, 70. The programming of the controller 16 can comprises an algorithmor a lookup table, for example.

In a preferred embodiment, the controller 16 performs a pre-heat cycleof the heater before the pump 18 is actuated, such as about one minute.In an alternate embodiment, a pre-heat cycle might not be provided. Thepre-heat cycle could be longer or shorter than one minute, such asmerely 10 seconds for example when the speed of the pump 18 is initiallyset at a slow speed while the heater is being initially heated. In onetype of pre-heat cycle, the pump 18 is not turned ON until the heater 14has reached a predetermined minimum temperature. After the predeterminedminimum temperature is reached, the controller 16 then actuates the pump18 to start pumping water into the heater. However, the speed of thepump 18 does not need to be constant as explained above. The controllercontinuously monitors the temperature of the heater and the inlet water.If the temperature of the heater goes above a predetermined out-of-rangeupper temperature, the controller shuts the heater OFF, but continuespumping water through the pump to the heater. If the temperature of theheater goes below a predetermined out-of-range lower temperature, thecontroller shuts the pump OFF until the temperature of the heater risesagain. Then, the pump is turned ON again.

In the situation when the coffee maker is used again when the heater isstill hot from a previous brewing cycle, the controller could turn thepump ON without use of the pre-heat cycle; such as when a user startsthe coffee maker when the temperature of the heater is between theout-of-range lower and upper temperatures. The out-of-range lower andupper temperatures could be fixed or could be varied based uponpredetermined conditions, such as pod recognition or coffee maker systemstate.

Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, the top section 46 of the housing 12comprises a stationary section 72 and a movable lid 73. The top section46 is connected to the top of the column section 44. The top section 46extends outward in a general cantilevered fashion from the top of thecolumn section 44. More specifically, the top section 46 extends outwardover the forward extending section 48 of the base section 42. This formsa cup receiving area 74 between the support surface 50 and the topsection 46. The stationary section 72 comprises a top section 76 and abottom section 78. The bottom section 78 comprises two members 80, 82(see FIG. 2). The two members 80, 82 form an internal area which housesa switch 84. The switch 84 is connected to the controller 16. Thestationary section 72 forms an aperture 86 for receiving variouscomponents as further described below.

The movable lid 73 is pivotably connected to the stationary section 72.A brewing area is formed under the lid 73 when the lid is located at aclosed, down position. The lid 73 comprises a main lid member 88 and anassembly 90. The main lid member 88 comprises two rearwardly extendingpivot arms 92. The rear ends of the pivot arms 92 are pivotably attachedto the rear end of the stationary section 72 at the top rear of thehousing 12. Springs 146 could be provided to bias the lid 88 in the openposition shown in FIG. 4. In an alternate embodiment, the spring(s)could bias the lid in the closed position shown in FIG. 1. However, aspring for the lid 73 does not need to be provided. The lid 73 couldcomprise a latch (not shown) for latching the lid in a closed positionwith the stationary section 72. For example, the main lid member 88could comprise a resilient deflectable latch. In an alternateembodiment, the latch for retaining the lid in the closed position couldbe mounted on the stationary section 72 and adapted to engage the mainlid member 88. One side of the main housing member 88 comprises a slot94.

Referring particularly to FIG. 2, the assembly 90 generally comprisesthe hot water discharge head 66, a seal 96, a combined locking and camring member 98, and a mounting member 100. The discharge head 66 has ageneral showerhead design. The hot water discharge head 66 generallycomprises a top water inlet 102, mounting flanges 104, an internalplenum 106, and bottom side outlet apertures 108 (see FIG. 4). The inlet102 is connected to the tube 68 from the hot water heater 14. Themounting flanges 104 are used to stationarily attach the discharge head66 to the main lid member 88. The outlet apertures 108 allow hot waterto exit the discharge head in a downward direction. In a preferredembodiment, the outlet apertures 108 are arranged to deliver a greaterquantity of water towards the outer perimeter than the center of thebottom side of the discharge head. However, any suitable type of arrayor configuration of the outlet apertures could be provided. In addition,any suitable type of discharge head could be provided.

The seal 96 is attached to the bottom side of the discharge head 66 atits outer perimeter. The seal 96 comprises an O-ring seal. The mountingmember 100 is located above the top side of the discharge head 66, andis adapted to slidably rotate on the top side of the discharge head. Thering member 98 is fixedly attached to the mounting member 100. The ringmember 98 extends below the discharge head 66 and is adapted to rotaterelative to the discharge head 66 due to its suspended connection withthe mounting member 100.

Referring also to FIG. 5, The ring member 98 generally comprises ahandle 110 and a center ring section 111. The center ring section 111generally comprises a main center aperture 113, three equi-spacedlocking projections 112, two opposing slots 114, and two opposing camsurfaces 116. The locking projections 112 extends downward from the ringsection. The slots 114 are located along an interior side of the ringsection at the main center aperture 113. The cam surfaces 116 arelocated adjacent the slots 114. The handle 110 extends out of the slot94 in the main lid member 88. The handle 110 can move in the slot 94 asthe ring member 98 is rotated. More specifically, a user can moved thehandle to rotate the ring member 98 between a locked position (shown inFIG. 1) and an unlocked position (shown in FIG. 4). The hot waterdischarge head 66 remain stationary as the ring member 98 is rotatedbetween its locked and unlocked positions.

The stationary section 72 comprises slots 148 along the aperture 86 toallow the locking projections 112 of the ring member 98 to passtherethrough. When the lid 73 is located in its down, closed positionand the ring member 98 is rotated to its locked position, bottomportions of the locking projections 112 are moved beneath portions ofthe stationary section 72 to latch the lid 73 in its closed position.When the ring member 98 is moved back to its unlocked position, thelocking projections 112 can once again be passed through the slots 148to allow the lid 73 to be moved back to its open position. In alternateembodiments, any suitable type of locking system could be provided.

Referring also to FIG. 6, the coffeemaker 10 includes a pod carrier 150and a discharge funnel 152. The carrier pod 150 and the discharge funnel152 are adapted to be removably connected to the stationary section 72at the aperture 86. Referring also to FIGS. 7 and 8, the funnel 152generally comprises an upper circular wall section 154, a lowercone-shaped wall section 156, and an outlet 158 at the bottom center ofthe lower cone-shaped wall section 156. The upper wall section 154includes slots 164 (see FIGS. 2 and 4). The slots 164 are provided toaccommodate projections on the pod carrier 150 as further describedbelow. The funnel 152 includes support ledges 160 extending outward froma top side of the upper wall section 154. Keying sections 162 extendsdownward from the support ledges 160. The stationary section 72 includesslots for receiving the keying sections 162, and the support ledges 160are adapted to be supported on a top side of the stationary section 72at the aperture 86. Thus, the funnel 152 can be dropped into theaperture 86 with the support ledges 160 supporting the funnel on thestationary section and the keying sections 162 aligning the funnel inthe aperture 86 in a predetermined position.

The pod carrier 150 generally comprises a frame 166 and a center support168. The frame 166 comprises a one piece member made of molded plasticor polymer material. The center support 168 preferably comprises a metalscreen member. However, in alternate embodiments, any suitable type ofcenter support could be provided. The frame 166 is preferably overmolded onto the outer perimeter of the center support 168. This fixedlyattaches the center support 168 to the frame 166. However, in alternateembodiments, any suitable attachment system could be used. The centersupport 168 provides three functions. First, the center support 168divides the frame 166 into two sections; each section having a distinctpod receiving area. Second, the center support 168 provides a path toallow fluid to flow through the center support from one pod receivingarea to the other pod receiving area. Third, the center support 168helps to provide a support surface for supporting a pod of material ineither one of the two pod receiving areas as further described below.

Referring particularly to FIGS. 4, 6, 8 and 9, the frame 166 includes ahandle 170, a first pod receiving area or cavity 172, a second podreceiving area or cavity 174, and two sets of lateral extending camprojections 176, 178. As noted above, the two pod receiving areas 172,174 are separated from each other by the center support 168. The two podreceiving areas 172, 174 are adapted to receive pods 180, one of whichis shown in FIG. 10. The pod 180 generally comprises a porous casing 182and an interior area comprising material to be brewed, such as coffeegrounds 184. The casing 182 is comprised of a material similar to coffeefilter paper. Thus, hot water can flow into the top side of the casing182 and exit the bottom side of the casing as brewed coffee. Each pod180 is preferably a single serve pod; i.e., each pod can be used togenerate a single serving, such as one cup, of coffee.

The first pod receiving area 172 has a first open entrance aperture on afirst side of the frame, and the first pod receiving area is sized andshaped to receive one of the coffee pods 180. The second pod receivingarea 174 is about twice as large as the first pod receiving area 172.The second pod receiving area 174 has a second open entrance aperture ona second side of the frame, and the second pod receiving area is sizedand shaped to receive two of the coffee pods 180; one pod stacked on topof the other pod inside the receiving area. In an alternate embodiment,a single larger coffee pod (not shown) could be positioned into thesecond pod receiving area 174. The coffee pod(s) 180 are held in thefirst or second pod receiving areas 172, 174 merely by gravity; at leastbefore the lid 73 is moved to its closed position. Thus, the first podreceiving area 172 can receive and hold one of the pods 180 only when itis orientated facing a top side of the pod carrier 150. Likewise, thesecond pod receiving area 174 can receive and hold two of the pods 180only when it is orientated facing the top side of the pod carrier 150.The pod carrier 150 is adapted to be flipped 180 degrees to hold eitherone pod 180 in the first pod receiving area 172 or two pods 180 in thesecond pod receiving area 174.

Referring particularly to FIG. 9, the frame 166 of the pod carrier 150has an first open aperture on a first side at the first pod receivingarea 172 and a second open aperture at a second side of the second podreceiving area 174. The frame 166 forms a surrounding perimeter wall 186forming two inwardly facing sealing surfaces 188, 190 and two inwardlyextending shells 192, 194 located at a bottom of the sealing surfaces188, 190, respectively. The entrance apertures into the first and secondpod receiving areas are defined by the perimeter wall. When the twocoffee pods 180 are inserted into the second receiving area 174 theouter rim 196 of the bottom coffee pod can flex upward against thesidewalls inside the second pod receiving area 174, and the outer rim196 of the top coffee pod can sit against the shelf 194. The bottom ofthe bottom coffee pod would sit against one side of the mesh screen 168.Referring also to FIG. 11, the coffee pod carrier is shown flipped 180degrees relative to its position shown in FIG. 9. In this position, thefirst coffee pod receiving area 172 is located at the top of the coffeepod carrier 150. One of the coffee pods 180 can be located in the firstcoffee pod receiving area 172 with its outer rim 196 located against theshelf 192 and the bottom of the coffee pod being located against oneside of the mesh screen 168. The handle 170 extends outward along aplane proximate a junction of the first and second pod receiving areas;slightly more toward the larger second pod receiving area than the firstpod receiving area.

As seen in FIGS. 4, 6, 9 and 11, the coffee pod carrier 150 is adaptedto be removably inserted into the top side of the funnel 152 when thelid 73 is located in its open position. FIGS. 4, 6 and 9 illustrate theposition of the coffee pod carrier 150 into the funnel 152 inside thestationary section 72 with the second pod receiving area 174 located inthe top position. When the coffee pod carrier 150 is inserted into thefunnel 152 the first set of cam projections 176 slide into the slots 164in the funnel and come to rest on the bottom sides of the slots. Becausethe funnel 152 is supported on the stationary section 72 by its supportledges 160, the pod carrier 150 is therefore supported on the stationarysection 172 by the funnel 152. If the pod carrier 150 is inserted intothe funnel 152 with the first pod receiving area 172 located in the topposition as shown in FIG. 11, then the second set of cam projections 178would be received in the slots 164 and rest against the bottom of theslots. The handle 170 is positioned in a front recess of the stationarysection 72 for relatively easy grasping by a user to remove the podcarrier after use and dispose of a hot coffee pod(s) located in thecarrier without the need for touching the hot coffee pod(s).

With the pod carrier 150 located in the funnel 152 the top side of thepod carrier extends above the funnel as shown in FIGS. 4 and 9. When thelid 73 is moved to its down or closed position as shown in FIG. 1, thecam projections 178 pass through the slots 114 (see FIG. 5) in the ringmember 98. The bottom side of the hot water discharge head 66 and theseal 96 extend slightly into or just above the top aperture into thesecond pod receiving area 174. Because the pivot arms 92 of the main lidmember 88 extend almost completely to the rear end of the stationarysection 72, the lid 73 comes down on the pod carrier 150 at a very smallangle; almost vertically, such as about merely five degrees of rotationbetween when the bottom of the seal 96 is located proximate the top ofthe aperture into the second receiving area 172 and when the lid 73reaches its closed position. The inner top side of the surroundingperimeter wall 186 is curved to substantially prevent wear on the seal96 when the lid 73 is merely moved to its closed position and before thepod carrier 150 is moved upward as explained below.

When the lid 73 is in its closed position and the user rotates thehandle 110 from its unlocked position to its locked position, the ringsection 111 rotates, and the cam surfaces 116 engage the bottom surfacesof the cam projections 178 to cam the pod carrier 150 in an upwarddirection. As the pod carrier 150 moves upward, the outer rim 196 of thetop coffee pod 180 in the second pod receiving area 174 is sandwiched orcaptured between the shelf 194 and the seal 196. This helps to clamp thepod to prevent it from moving, and to prevent hot water from thedischarge head 66 from passing around the outer side of the top pod 180without passing through the pod. Referring also to FIGS. 16 and 17, asthe pod carrier 150 moves upward by the camming action of the ringmember 98, the seal 96 is vertically compressed and expands or deformsin an outward direction. As the seal 96 expands outwardly, it engagesthe sealing surface 190 on the inner side of the perimeter wall 186 atthe second receiving area 174. This seals the pod carrier frame 166 withthe hot water discharge head 66 such that water discharged from thedischarge head 66 must pass through the second pod receiving area 174 inorder to exit through the mesh screen 168. The seal 96 also helps toclamp the rim 196 against the surface 194 to hold the rim in astationary position. However, the sealing action is provided between thesurface 190 (or 188) and the head 66 by the seal 96.

When the brewed coffee exits through the mesh screen 168 it flowsthrough the first pod receiving area 172 and onto the inner surface ofthe discharge funnel 152 at the lower cone-shaped wall section 156. Thebrewed coffee can flow to the outlet 158 and flow out of the funnel 152as a stream into the cup 52 located on the support surface 50. Becausethe funnel 152 has a relatively high upper wall section 154, the bottomside of the pod carrier 150 stays inside the funnel when the pod carrieris moved upward by the ring member 98. This ensures that the brewedcoffee exits the pod carrier into the interior of the funnel even thoughthe pod carrier has been vertically moved relative to the funnel.

If the pod carrier 150 is inserted into the funnel 152 with the firstpod receiving area 172 located in the top position as shown in FIG. 11,the pod carrier 150 is located in the funnel 152 with the top side ofthe pod carrier extending above the funnel. When the lid 73 is moved toits down or closed position as shown in FIG. 1, the cam projections 176past through the slots 114 (see FIG. 5) in the ring member 98. Thebottom side of the hot water discharge head 66 and the seal 96 extendslightly into or just above the top aperture into the first podreceiving area 172. The inner top side of the surrounding perimeter wall186 at the first pod receiving area 172 is curved to substantiallyprevent wear on the seal 96 when the lid 73 is merely moved to itsclosed position and before the pod carrier 150 is moved upward asexplained below.

When the lid 73 is in its closed position and the user rotates thehandle 110 from its unlocked position to its locked position, the ringsection 111 rotates and the cam surfaces 116 to engage the bottomsurfaces of the cam projections 176 to cam the pod carrier 150 in anupward direction. As the pod carrier 150 moves upward, the outer rim 196of the coffee pod 180 in the first receiving area 172 is clamped betweenthe shelf 192 and the seal 196. This helps to prevent the pod frommoving and to prevent hot water from the discharge head 66 from passingaround the outer side of the pod 180 in the first receiving area 172without passing through the pod. As the pod carrier 150 moves upward bythe camming action of the ring member 98, the seal 96 is verticallycompressed and expands or deforms in an outward direction. As the seal96 expands outwardly, it engages the sealing surface 188 on the innerside of the perimeter wall 186. This seals the pod carrier frame 166with the hot water discharge head 66 such that water discharged from thedischarge head 66 must pass through the first pod receiving area 172 inorder to exit through the mesh screen 168.

When the brewed coffee exits through the mesh screen 168 it flowsthrough the second pod receiving area 174 and onto the inner surface ofthe discharge funnel 152 at the lower cone-shaped wall section 156. Thebrewed coffee can flow to the outlet 158 and flow out of the funnel 152as a stream. The coffeemaker has a system for varying water temperatureof water exiting the heater. The system comprising the controllercoupled to the sensors. The pump is a variable speed pump. Power, whenthe hot water heater is ON, is supplied as a substantially fixednon-varying power, and the controller is adapted to provide hot waterfrom the heater at either a first temperature or a second highertemperature based upon speed of the pump without varying power supply tothe heater. In an alternate embodiment, the system could be configuredto deliver hot water at more or less than two temperatures.

Consistently repeatable good quality brewed liquid requires accurate hotwater quantity delivery and relatively precise hot water temperature.Conventional coffeemakers adjust the hot water heat to control watertemperature. However, because of inherent lag times for hot water heateradjustments because of heat transfer rates from the heating element tothe heat transfer member of the heater and then to the water,temperature control, especially in a single serve brewing apparatusdispensing a relatively small quantity of water such as only about sevento twelve ounces, is not good and does not produce consistentlyrepeatable good quality brewed liquid. The present invention provides abetter control system for water temperature for a small serve brewingapparatus, such as an individual serving dispenser coffeemaker.

After the coffee has been brewed, the user can rotate the handle 110back to its unlocked position and open the lid 73. The user can thengrasp the coffee pod carrier 150 at the handle 170 to remove the coffeepod carrier and dispose of the used coffee pod(s). One of the featuresof the present invention is a reduced amount of wear on the seal 96.More specifically, the seal 96 does not run up against any of thecomponents when it is being inserted into or removed from the aperturein the pod carrier. Only after the seal is located in the aperture inthe pod carrier is it deformed to perform its sealing function. Theperimeter sealing feature described above reduces wear on the seal 96 toprevent steam or water vapor from exiting from the pod brewing chamberwithout passing through the coffee pod. This helps to maintain anaccurate and predictable good brewed coffee quality.

As noted above, the coffeemaker comprises a switch 84 (see FIG. 2)located in the stationary section 72. The ring member 98 comprises asection which is adapted to actuate the switch 84 when the ring member98 is moved to its locked position. The ring member 98 is adapted todeactuate the switch 84 when the ring member is moved away from itslocked position. The switch 84 is connected to the controller 16. Whenthe switch 84 is actuated the controller 16 knows that the ring member98 is at its locked position. If the user moves the ring member 98 fromits locked position during a brewing cycle, the controller 16 isprogrammed to deactivate the heater 14. Thus, if the user opens the lid73 during a brewing cycle, the pump 18 will continue to flow water outof the discharge head 66, but the water is prevented from beingconverted into potentially harmful steam because the heater 14 has beenturned OFF and, the continuing flow of water through the heater 14prevents water from standing in the heater and turning into steam. Inalternate embodiments, any suitable type of signaling system or anysuitable type of system for preventing a user from being potentiallyharmed by steam could be provided. In one type of embodiment, thecontroller could be programmed to continue pumping of water through theheater until the heater reached a predetermined relatively cooltemperature. In another embodiment, the controller could be programmedto continue pumping of water through the heater for a predeterminedamount of time after the switch is deactuated or after the heater isturned OFF.

Referring to FIG. 2, the control system could also comprise anelectromagnetic solenoid 260 having an extendable shaft 262. Thesolenoid would be connected to the controller 16. The shaft 262 wouldnormally be retracted at a home position when the solenoid is notactuated. When the switch 84 is actuated by the member 98, thecontroller activated the solenoid to move the shaft 262 forward and intoengagement with the member 98. This engagement results in the member 98no longer being able to rotate away from its locked position. Thus, thecontrol system forms a lock to prevent the user from opening the lid 73during a brewing cycle. Once the brewing cycle is completed, thecontroller 16 can deactivate the solenoid 260, thereby removingengagement between the shaft 262 and the member 98, and the user can nowrotate the member 98 to allow the lid to be opened again. The controllermight be programmed to move the solenoid to an unlocked position afteran end of a purge cycle of the brewing cycle to allow a purge of waterand steam from the heater into the brewing chamber before the lid can bemoved to an open position. In alternate embodiments, any suitable typeof locking system could be provided.

Referring now to FIGS. 12 and 13, an additional, optional feature of thepresent invention will be described. FIG. 12 shows a cross sectionalview of a second type of pod carrier 198, a funnel and mixing orfrothing attachment 200, and a second type of pod 202. The second typeof pod 202, in this embodiment, is a creamy coffee pod. In particular,the creamy coffee pod 202 comprises an outer casing 182, a plastic orhard paper divider 204 which forms a first chamber 206 and a secondchamber 208, coffee grounds 184 located in the first chamber 206 and apowdered nondairy creamer 210 located in the second chamber 208. Thedivider 204 is adapted to allow fluid to flow therethrough, butotherwise substantially separates the coffee grounds 184 from thenondairy creamer 210. In the embodiment shown, the divider 204 extendsto the outer rim 212 where the top and bottom sides of the casing 182are connected to the divider 204. In an alternate embodiment the podcould have more than one divider, and nondairy creamer might not beprovided such as when the chambers of the pod merely comprise differenttypes of coffee grounds, such as one or more different flavored coffeegrounds.

The pod carrier 198 generally comprises a handle 214, a pod receivingarea 216, and a lower chamber 218. The pod receiving area 216 is adaptedto receive the pod 202. The pod receiving area 216 includes a shelf 220and a sealing surface 222 on an inwardly facing perimeter side. The podcarrier 198 is adapted to be inserted into the aperture 86 in thestationary section 72 as a replacement component for the pod carrier150. When the pod carrier 198 is used rather than the pod carrier 150,the funnel 152 is not used. The funnel 152 is removed from the aperture86. The funnel and mixing attachment 200 is attached to the bottom endof the pod carrier 198 as further described below.

The shelf 220 and sealing surface 222 function substantially the sameway as the shelves 192, 194 and sealing surfaces 188, 190 describedabove with reference to the pod carrier 150. In particular, when the lid73 is moved to its closed position the ring member 98 can be rotated toits locked position to move the pod carrier 198 to an upward position.As the pod carrier 198 moves upward, the seal 96 is clamped between thetop side of the outer rim 212 and the hot water discharge head to causethe seal to expand outward against the sealing surface 222. Because ofthe porous nature of the casing 182, a good seal cannot be formedagainst the casing 182 at the shelf 212. Thus, the seal 96 is used toseal against the sealing surface 212 and substantially prevent steam orhot water vapor from exiting from the pod receiving area 216 withoutpassing through the pod 202. However, the seal 96 helps to clamp the pod202 in the pod receiving area 216 such that the pod does not move orfloat in the event the pod receiving area 216 becomes substantiallyfilled with water.

The pod carrier 198 includes a metal mesh screen 168, such as a screenhaving the plastic portion of the pod carrier over molded thereonto.However, in an alternate embodiment, the screen might not be metal, suchas a molded plastic screen, and the screen could be attached to theframe of the pod carrier by any suitable means. The lower chamber 218 islocated beneath the screen 168 and allows brewed coffee and nondairycreamer to mix therein before exiting a bottom outlet 224.

Referring also to FIG. 13, the main housing 226 of the pod carrier 198includes mounting projections 228 on a lower exterior side and cam lugs176 at a top side. The cam lugs 176 can work with the member 98 the sameway that the cam lugs work on the pod carrier 150. The mountingprojections 228 are provided to allow the funnel and mixing attachment200 to be removably connected to the bottom end of the pod carrier 198.In an alternate embodiment, any suitable system for removably attachingthe attachment 200 to the pod carrier 198 could be provided. Theattachment 200 is screwed, twisted or rotated onto the bottom of the podcarrier 198. The two members 198, 200 could be connected by a camingconnection. In one type of alternate embodiment, the funnel and mixingattachment could be formed integrally with the pod carrier rather thanbeing removably connected.

The funnel and frothing attachment 200 comprises a main housing 230 anda mixing or frothing insert 232. The main housing 230 includes a top endwith mounting apertures 234 and a bottom end with an outlet 236. Themounting apertures 234 are adapted to receive the mounting projections228 therein to fixedly but removably attach the main housing 230 to themain housing 226. The mixing insert 232 comprises a plate havingapertures 238 therethrough. The mixing insert 232 divides the mainhousing 230 into two chambers 240, 242. At least the first chamber 240forms a frothing chamber. The mixing insert 232 is adapted to sitagainst interior sidewalls of the frame in the chamber. The mixinginsert 232 is preferably removably located in the chamber for easiercleaning. When coffee and nondairy creamer exit from the lower chamber218 from the bottom outlet 224 of the pod carrier 198, they enter thechamber 240 and contact the mixing insert 232. Although the brewedcoffee and nondairy creamer mix in the lower chamber 218 of the podcarrier, the chamber 240 and mixing insert 232 allow the coffee andnondairy creamer to mix again, more thoroughly, in the chamber 240.

The coffee and nondairy creamer can flow through the apertures 238 intothe chamber 242, with additional mixing or frothing occurring, and exitthe outlet 236 as a mixed stream of coffee and creamer directly into auser's cup. Thus, the user does not need to manually mix the nondairycreamer with the brewed coffee. The mixing is done automatically in thechambers 218, 240 and 242; the three chambers each forming frothingchambers. The pod carrier 198 and funnel and mixing attachment 200 causea slight time delay in the flow of liquid therethrough. This allowsfroth or foam generated from the mixing to at least slightly settle.Thus, because of this slight time delay, it may be preferred to have thetemperature of the water entering the pod carrier 198 from the heater tobe slightly higher in temperature than normal to compensate for heatlost during this time delay.

With the present invention a brewing apparatus pod carrier and mixingdevice can be provided which includes a pod receiving section open at atop side of the device, a first mixing section located below the podreceiving section and adapted to receive brewed liquid from a firstoutlet of the pod receiving section, and a second mixing section locatedbelow the first mixing section and adapted to receive the brewed liquidfrom a second outlet from the first mixing section. The device caninclude the two mixing sections arranged in series. The second outlet ofthe first mixing section is small relative to the first outlet of thepod receiving section such that the brewed liquid will partially mix inthe first mixing section before passing through the second outlet to thesecond mixing section.

Referring now to FIGS. 14-15, another feature of the present inventionwill be described. In this embodiment, the coffeemaker 10 is providedwith an additional, optional attachment 244 for accommodating thepositioning of a smaller cup 246. The attachment 244 is a booster seator elevated cup platform. The cup 52 shown in FIG. 1 is sized and shapedto receive at least twelve ounces of brewed coffee. Twelve ounces ofbrewed coffee can be generated by the coffeemaker 10 with the use of twoof the coffee pods 180 and the pod carrier 150 having been positioned asshown in FIGS. 4 and 9. For brewing a smaller cup of coffee, such asseven ounces with the smaller coffee cup 246 shown in FIG. 14, if thesmaller cup 246 were placed on the support surface 50 the distancebetween the funnel outlet 158 and the entrance to the smaller coffee cup246 might result in coffee splashing out of the top of the coffee cup246. The attachment 244 is provided to allow the smaller coffee cup 246to be located at an elevated position relative to the support surface50.

The elevation attachment 244 generally comprises a bottom end 248, a topsurface 250, and stabilizing supports 252. In a preferred embodiment theattachment 244 has a general truncated cone shape with the bottom end248 being larger than the top surface 250. A side wall connects the topand bottom sides. In a preferred embodiment the side wall is about twoor three or four inches high. However, any suitable height could beprovided. The attachment 244 is preferably a one piece member made ofmolded plastic or polymer material. The general cone shape providesstability to the attachment on the support surface 50. However, anysuitable shape can be provided. The bottom end 248 is sized and shapedto fit in the recess 51 and against the support surface 50. The bottomside is adapted to be vertically lowered into the recess. Thestabilizing supports 252 are sized and shaped to be located in the slots54. The stabilizing supports 252 help to stabilize the elevationattachment 244 and prevent it from pivoting or rotating while connectedin the recess 51. The top surface 250 is sized and shaped to support thebottom surface of the smaller cup 246 thereon.

As shown in FIG. 14, when the elevation attachment 244 is connected tothe forward extending section 48 of the base section 42, the elevationattachment 244 can allow a user to place the smaller size cup 246 on theattachment 244 at an elevated position closer to the outlet 158 of thedischarge, funnel 152 (see FIG. 11). When brewing coffee for the smallersize cup 246, the pod carrier 150 would be orientated as shown in FIG.11 to receive only one pod in its top receiving area. The height of theelevation attachment is preferably about three to four inches or more.However, any suitable height could be provided. The elevation attachmentcould also have a variable or reconfigurable height, or variableconnection location to the housing of the coffeemaker. The housing andthe booster seat are adapted to alternatively support the first largercup 52 without use of the booster seat or the second smaller cup 246with the use of the booster seat at about the same distance from thebrewed coffee outlet from the exit funnel. One of the features of thepresent invention is the reduced cost of the attachment 244 relative tothe more complicated prior art devices. The reduced cost is possiblebecause the attachment is merely a one-piece member, such as a moldedmember, and does not need any complicated connection to the frame of thecoffeemaker. In addition, the attachment 244 is relatively easy to cleanbecause of its simple structure, and can even be placed in an automaticdishwasher.

In an alternate embodiment the stabilizing supports 252 might not beprovided. In this alternate embodiment, the bottom side forms a soleconnection area with the brewing apparatus by merely being place on topof the brewed liquid container support surface 50 without any additionalattachments.

Referring back to FIG. 1, the coffeemaker 10 comprises four of thecontrol switches 38. A first one of the control switches 38 is actuatedby a user when using a single pod 180 and the elevation attachment 244for making a small cup of coffee. The pod carrier 150 would bepositioned as shown in FIG. 11. When this first control switch isactuated, the controller 16 will control the heater 14 and pump 18 tosupply about seven ounces of hot water through the pod carrier and outthe outlet 158. Based upon the speed of the pump 18 and the durationwhich the pump is pumping, the controller 16 can precisely measure thequantity of hot water which is being dispensed. A second one of thecontrol switches 38 is actuated by a user when using two of the pods 180for making a larger cup of coffee, such as the twelve ounce cup 52 shownin FIG. 1. The pod carrier 150 would be positioned as shown in FIGS. 4and 9. When this second control switch is actuated, the controller 16will control the heater 14 and pump 18 to supply about twelve ounces ofhot water through the pod carrier and out the outlet 158. A third one ofthe control switches 38 is actuated by the user when using the pod 202,pod carrier 198 and attachment 200 shown in FIG. 12 for making coffeehaving nondairy creamer. When this third control switch is actuated, thecontroller 16 will control the heater and pump to supply about sevenounces of hot water through the pod carrier and out the outlet 236. Thespeed of the pump 18 when brewing with the pod 202 might be slower thanthe speed of the pump when the first or second control switches areactuated to allow the water to be heated to a higher temperature becausethe water will take longer to pass through the pod 202 then through oneor two of the pods 180. A fourth one of the control switches 38 isactuated by the user to perform an override or reset of the controller16. For example, if the user presses a wrong one of the controlswitches, the user can press the fourth control switch to interrupt abrewing cycle. In alternate embodiments, any suitable type of userinteractive control could be provided.

The coffeemaker can operate in one of three brewing modes with theactuation of one of the first three user actuated switches 38 notedabove. In particular, the actuation of the first switch can cause thecoffeemaker to dispense a first quantity of water at a firsttemperature. The actuation of the second switch can cause thecoffeemaker to dispense a second quantity of water at a secondtemperature. The second temperature could be the same as the firsttemperature or could be hotter or cooler than the first temperature. Theactuation of the third switch can cause the coffeemaker to dispense athird quantity of water at a third temperature. The third quantity ofwater is preferably about the same as the first quantity of water.However, the third quantity of water could be more or less than thefirst quantity of water. The third temperature is preferably hotter thanthe first and second temperatures. However, the third temperature couldbe the same as or cooler than the first or second temperatures.

One of the features of the present invention is the ability to useanother mode of brewing. A user can load the pod carrier 150 with two ofthe pods 180. However, rather than pressing the user actuated switch 38for twelve ounces of water, the user can actuate the switch 38 for sevenounces of water. This will result in an extra strong cup of seven ouncesof coffee being brewed. Another mode of operation could comprise theuser loading the pod carrier 150 with two of the pods 180. However,rather than pressing the user actuated switch 38 for seven or twelveounces of water, the user can actuate the switch 38 for the creamy pod.This could result in a hotter and stronger cup of coffee, but perhapsmore than seven ounces.

The user could also load the pod carrier with two different types of thepods 180; having different coffee grounds in each pod to produce aunique mixture or coffee blend. For example, the user could load one podflavored with vanilla and a second pod flavored with hazelnut to producea user configured blend; configured based upon user selection ofdifferent types of coffee pods.

Although the present invention was described above comprising aremovable coffee pod carrier and a reversible coffee pod carrier,features of the present invention could be used with a non-removablecoffee pod carrier and/or a coffee pod carrier which is not intended tobe reversible or re-orientatable. In another alternate embodiment, thecoffee pod carrier might have more or less than two coffee pod receivingareas, such as only one coffee pod receiving area as shown in FIG. 12.Rather than a removable funnel, such as the funnel 152, the funnel couldbe integrally formed with the housing of the coffeemaker or the housingof the coffee pod carrier. Although specific types of coffee pods 180,202 have been described above, features of the present invention couldbe adapted for use with any suitable type of coffee pods, or podscarrying brewable material, such as tea leaves. In another alternateembodiment, any suitable type of movable lid for the coffeemaker couldbe provided. In one type of alternate embodiment, the seal 96 could forma seal with the top side of the pod carrier, or the seal could form aseal with the outer perimeter side of the pod carrier. The seal could belocated on the lid housing rather than on the hot water discharge head.In one type of alternate embodiment, the coffeemaker could comprise anelectromechanical latch, such as a solenoid to prevent the ring 98 frombeing moved away from the locked position during a brew cycle andthereby prevent the lid from being moved to an open position during thebrew cycle. In one type of alternate embodiment, the temperature of theheater could be adjusted as well as the speed of the pump.Alternatively, the speed of the pump could be constant and thetemperature of the heater could merely be adjusted.

With the present invention, a brewing apparatus can be providedcomprising a system for varying water temperature of water exiting theheater. The system can comprise a controller coupled to sensors, whereinpower when the hot water heater is ON is supplied as a substantiallyfixed non-varying power, and wherein the controller is adapted toprovide hot water from the heater at either a first temperature or asecond higher temperature based upon speed of the pump without varyingpower supply to the heater. A brewing apparatus can be providedcomprising a user input section connected to the controller. The userinput section can be adapted to allowed a user to select one of at leastthree brewing modes comprising a first mode having a first quantity ofwater delivered by the pump and the heater at a first temperature, asecond mode having a second quantity of water delivered by the pump andthe heater at a second temperature, and a third mode having a thirdquantity of water delivered by the pump and the heater at a thirdtemperature. The first and second temperatures can be equal, and thethird temperature can be the same as or different from the first andsecond temperatures.

Referring now to FIGS. 18 and 19, there is shown one embodiment of abottom plate 264 of the hot water discharge head 66. The bottom plate264 generally comprises three sets of water discharge holes. A first set266 of the holes comprises a first center array of smaller holes 268. Inthe embodiment shown, the first set 266 of smaller holes 268 comprisefour of the smaller holes arranged in a general box or diamond shapeconfiguration. However, in alternate embodiments, any suitable number ofsmaller holes and any suitable pattern could be provided.

The second set 270 of the holes and to the third set 272 of the holesform a second surrounding array of larger holes 274. In the embodimentshown, the second set 270 of larger holes 274 comprise four of thelarger holes arranged in a general box or diamond shape configurationsimilar to the pattern of the first set 266 of smaller holes. However,the second set 270 of larger holes is axially rotated about 45 degreesrelative to the first set 266 of smaller holes. The third set 272 oflarger holes to 274 comprise four of the larger holes arranged in ageneral box or diamond shape configuration similar to the pattern of thefirst set 266 of smaller holes and aligned with the first set of smallerholes. The second set 270 and a third set 272 form concentric rings ofholes around the first set 266.

In the embodiment shown, the larger holes 274 are at least about 50percent larger than the smaller holes 268. In a preferred embodiment,the larger holes 274 are about 75 percent larger than the smaller holes268. With the present invention hot water introduced into the plenum ofthe hot water discharge head 66 is allowed to exit the plenum out thebottom outlet holes 268, 274. More of the hot water from the plenumexits the outer holes than the center holes for a total wetting of thecoffee pod located beneath the bottom plate 264 and a substantially evenremoval of coffee from the coffee grounds in the pod. In the embodimentshown, the bottom plate 264 includes a recessed area 276 which isadapted to receive a portion of the coffee pod if necessary. However,the recessed area 276 preferably provides an area to allow hot water tomigrate, at least partially, over a top surface of the coffee pod beforeentering the coffee pod. This also increases entire wedding of thecoffee grounds inside the coffee pod and more even removal of coffeefrom the coffee grounds.

It should be understood that the foregoing description is onlyillustrative of the invention. Various alternatives and modificationscan be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from theinvention. Accordingly, the present invention is intended to embrace allsuch alternatives, modifications and variances which fall within thescope of the appended claims.

1. A brewing apparatus comprising: a housing having a movable lid; awater heater connected to the housing; a pod carrier removably connectedto the housing; a seal connected to the lid for movement towards andaway from a top side of the pod carrier as the lid is moved between anopen position and a closed position; and a hot water discharge headconnected to the lid for delivering hot water from the water heater in adirection towards the top side of the pod carrier when the lid is in itsclosed position, wherein, when the lid is in its closed position, themovable lid closes over the top side of the pod carrier and, the seal isadapted to be located against a perimeter side of the pod carrier forsealing along the perimeter side.
 2. A brewing apparatus as in claim 1wherein the seal is mounted to the hot water discharge head.
 3. Abrewing apparatus as in claim 1 further comprising a cam member movablyconnected to the housing for camming the pod carrier in an upwarddirection.
 4. A brewing apparatus as in claim 3 wherein the cam membercomprises a rotatable locking ring mounted to the movable lid and havinga portion for locking the movable lid in the closed position.
 5. Abrewing apparatus as in claim 1 further comprising a locking ringrotatably mounted to the hot water discharge head.
 6. A brewingapparatus as in claim 1 wherein the perimeter side comprises an innerside of the pod carrier.
 7. A brewing apparatus as in claim 6 whereinthe pod carrier comprises a top aperture with a surrounding perimeterwall forming an inwardly facing sealing surface along the innerperimeter side and an inwardly extending shelf located at a bottom ofthe sealing surface, wherein the seal is movable into the top apertureand against the inner perimeter side.
 8. A brewing apparatus as in claim1 wherein the pod carrier comprises a first pod receiving area into afirst side and a second pod receiving area into a second opposite side,and wherein the first and second pod receiving areas comprise differentsizes.
 9. A brewing apparatus as in claim 8 wherein the pod carriercomprises a support located between the first and second pod receivingareas, and wherein the support is adapted to allow liquid to flowtherethrough.
 10. A coffeemaker comprising: a housing; a water heaterconnected to the housing; a hot water discharge head connected to thewater heater, the hot water discharge head being movable with a portionof the housing about a pivot axis; a seal connected to the hot waterdischarge head; and a pod carrier connected to the housing having a topaperture with a surrounding perimeter wall forming an inwardly facingsealing surface and an inwardly extending shelf located at a bottom ofthe sealing surface, wherein the seal is movable into the top aperture,and wherein the seal is adapted to be compressed between the dischargehead and the shelf.
 11. A coffeemaker as in claim 10 further comprisinga cam member movably connected to the housing for camming the podcarrier in an upward direction.
 12. A coffeemaker as in claim 11 whereinthe cam member comprises a rotatable locking ring mounted to the movableportion of the housing and having a section for locking the movableportion in a closed position.
 13. A coffeemaker as in claim 10 furthercomprising a locking and camming ring rotatably mounted to the hot waterdischarge head.
 14. A coffeemaker as in claim 10 wherein, when the sealis compressed between the shelf and the discharge head, the seal isadapted to deform outwardly into a sealing contact with the inwardlyfacing sealing surface of the pod carrier.
 15. A coffeemaker as in claim10 wherein the pod carrier comprises a first pod receiving area at thetop aperture into a first side and a second pod receiving area at anopposite aperture into a second opposite side, and wherein the first andsecond pod receiving areas comprise different sizes.
 16. A coffeemakeras in claim 15 wherein the pod carrier comprises a support locatedbetween the first and second pod receiving areas, and wherein thesupport is adapted to allow liquid to flow therethrough.
 17. A method offorming a seal in a coffeemaker, the method comprising steps of:removably positioning a coffee pod carrier on a housing of thecoffeemaker; pivotably moving a lid of the housing to a closed position,the lid covering a top side of the coffee pod carrier; moving a seal onthe lid into a top aperture of the coffee pod carrier; and compressingthe seal inside the coffee pod carrier to form the seal between thecoffee pod carrier and a hot water discharge head connected to the lid.18. A method as in claim 17 wherein the step of moving the seal into thetop aperture comprises camming the coffee pod carrier in an upwarddirection.
 19. A method as in claim 18 wherein the step of cammingcomprises rotating a combined locking and camming ring attached to thelid to also lock the lid in the closed position.
 20. A method as inclaim 17 wherein the step of compressing the seal comprises compressingthe seal between the hot water discharge head and a shelf inside the topaperture to cause the seal to deform outwardly and form a sealingengagement with an inner side perimeter of the coffee pod carrier.